Promethazine

Generic Name: promethazine

Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Brand Names:

Promethazine

DESCRIPTION Each 12.5 mg promethazine hydrochloride tablet for oral administration contains 12.5 mg promethazine hydrochloride. Each 25 mg promethazine hydrochloride tablet for oral administration contains 25 mg promethazine hydrochloride. Each 50 mg promethazine hydrochloride tablet for oral administration contains 50 mg promethazine hydrochloride. Each tablet contains the following inactive ingredients: lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, and methylcellulose.

Overview

DESCRIPTION Each 12.5 mg promethazine hydrochloride tablet for oral administration contains 12.5 mg promethazine hydrochloride. Each 25 mg promethazine hydrochloride tablet for oral administration contains 25 mg promethazine hydrochloride. Each 50 mg promethazine hydrochloride tablet for oral administration contains 50 mg promethazine hydrochloride. Each tablet contains the following inactive ingredients: lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, and methylcellulose.

Uses

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Promethazine hydrochloride tablets, USP are useful for: Perennial and seasonal allergic rhinitis. Vasomotor rhinitis. Allergic conjunctivitis due to inhalant allergens and foods. Mild, uncomplicated allergic skin manifestations of urticaria and angioedema. Amelioration of allergic reactions to blood or plasma. Dermographism. Anaphylactic reactions, as adjunctive therapy to epinephrine and other standard measures, after the acute manifestations have been controlled. Preoperative, postoperative, or obstetric sedation. Prevention and control of nausea and vomiting associated with certain types of anesthesia and surgery. Therapy adjunctive to meperidine or other analgesics for control of post-operative pain.

Dosage

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Promethazine hydrochloride tablets, USP are contraindicated for children under 2 years of age (see WARNINGS - Black Box Warning and Use in Pediatric Patients ). Promethazine hydrochloride tablets, USP are for oral administration only. Allergy The average oral dose is 25 mg taken before retiring; however, 12.5 mg may be taken before meals and on retiring, if necessary. Single 25 mg doses at bedtime or 6.25 mg to 12.5 mg taken three times daily will usually suffice. After initiation of treatment in children or adults, dosage should be adjusted to the smallest amount adequate to relieve symptoms. The administration of promethazine hydrochloride in 25 mg doses will control minor transfusion reactions of an allergic nature.

Side Effects

ADVERSE REACTIONS Central Nervous System Drowsiness is the most prominent CNS effect of this drug. Sedation, somnolence, blurred vision, dizziness; confusion, disorientation, and extrapyramidal symptoms such as oculogyric crisis, torticollis, and tongue protrusion; lassitude, tinnitus, incoordination, fatigue, euphoria, nervousness, diplopia, insomnia, tremors, convulsive seizures, excitation, catatonic-like states, hysteria. Hallucinations have also been reported. Cardiovascular — Increased or decreased blood pressure, tachycardia, bradycardia, faintness. Dermatologic — Dermatitis, photosensitivity, urticaria. Hematologic — Leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, thrombocytopenic purpura, agranulocytosis. Gastrointestinal — Dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, jaundice.

Warnings

WARNINGS WARNING: PROMETHAZINE HYDROCHLORIDE TABLETS, USP SHOULD NOT BE USED IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS LESS THAN 2 YEARS OF AGE BECAUSE OF THE POTENTIAL FOR FATAL RESPIRATORY DEPRESSION. POSTMARKETING CASES OF RESPIRATORY DEPRESSION, INCLUDING FATALITIES, HAVE BEEN REPORTED WITH USE OF PROMETHAZINE HYDROCHLORIDE TABLETS, USP IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS LESS THAN 2 YEARS OF AGE. A WIDE RANGE OF WEIGHT-BASED DOSES OF PROMETHAZINE HYDROCHLORIDE TABLETS, USP HAVE RESULTED IN RESPIRATORY DEPRESSION IN THESE PATIENTS. CAUTION SHOULD BE EXERCISED WHEN ADMINISTERING PROMETHAZINE HYDROCHLORIDE TABLETS, USP TO PEDIATRIC PATIENTS 2 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER. CONTRAINDICATIONS Promethazine hydrochloride tablets, USP are contraindicated for use in pediatric patients less than two years of age. Promethazine hydrochloride tablets, USP are contraindicated in comatose states, and in individuals known to be hypersensitive or to have had an idiosyncratic reaction to promethazine or to other phenothiazines.

Storage

HOW SUPPLIED Promethazine hydrochloride tablets, USP are available as follows: Promethazine hydrochloride tablets, USP 25 mg are supplied as white colored, round shaped, flat face bevel edge tablets, debossed “K 3” on one side and quadrisected on the other side.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Promethazine used for?

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Promethazine hydrochloride tablets, USP are useful for: Perennial and seasonal allergic rhinitis. Vasomotor rhinitis. Allergic conjunctivitis due to inhalant allergens and foods. Mild, uncomplicated allergic skin manifestations of urticaria and angioedema. Amelioration of allergic reactions to blood or plasma. Dermographism. Anaphylactic reactions, as adjunctive therapy to epinephrine and other standard measures, after the acute manifestations have been controlled. Preoperative, postoperative, or obstetric sedation. Prevention and control of nausea and vomiting associated with certain types of anesthesia and surgery. Therapy adjunctive to meperidine or other analgesics for control of post-operative pain.

What are the side effects of Promethazine?

ADVERSE REACTIONS Central Nervous System Drowsiness is the most prominent CNS effect of this drug. Sedation, somnolence, blurred vision, dizziness; confusion, disorientation, and extrapyramidal symptoms such as oculogyric crisis, torticollis, and tongue protrusion; lassitude, tinnitus, incoordination, fatigue, euphoria, nervousness, diplopia, insomnia, tremors, convulsive seizures, excitation, catatonic-like states, hysteria. Hallucinations have also been reported. Cardiovascular — Increased or decreased blood pressure, tachycardia, bradycardia, faintness. Dermatologic — Dermatitis, photosensitivity, urticaria. Hematologic — Leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, thrombocytopenic purpura, agranulocytosis. Gastrointestinal — Dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, jaundice.

What are the important warnings for Promethazine?

WARNINGS WARNING: PROMETHAZINE HYDROCHLORIDE TABLETS, USP SHOULD NOT BE USED IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS LESS THAN 2 YEARS OF AGE BECAUSE OF THE POTENTIAL FOR FATAL RESPIRATORY DEPRESSION. POSTMARKETING CASES OF RESPIRATORY DEPRESSION, INCLUDING FATALITIES, HAVE BEEN REPORTED WITH USE OF PROMETHAZINE HYDROCHLORIDE TABLETS, USP IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS LESS THAN 2 YEARS OF AGE. A WIDE RANGE OF WEIGHT-BASED DOSES OF PROMETHAZINE HYDROCHLORIDE TABLETS, USP HAVE RESULTED IN RESPIRATORY DEPRESSION IN THESE PATIENTS. CAUTION SHOULD BE EXERCISED WHEN ADMINISTERING PROMETHAZINE HYDROCHLORIDE TABLETS, USP TO PEDIATRIC PATIENTS 2 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER. CONTRAINDICATIONS Promethazine hydrochloride tablets, USP are contraindicated for use in pediatric patients less than two years of age. Promethazine hydrochloride tablets, USP are contraindicated in comatose states, and in individuals known to be hypersensitive or to have had an idiosyncratic reaction to promethazine or to other phenothiazines.

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Medical Disclaimer

This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.